The genus Cephalotaxus is a very difficult one taxonomically since most species are very similar and the key differences that distinguish them generally intergrade morphologically. Over 70 names have been published, though modern treatments usually restrict the genus to between 6 - 8 species. It can be difficult to know how to identify individual plants, with differences of opinion coming from decisions of taxonomists in different countries. We are following the treatment in Lang, X.D., Su, J.R., Lu, S.G. & Zhang, Z.J. (2013). A taxonomic revision of the genus Cephalotaxus (Taxaceae). Phytotaxa 84: 1-24.[].

Common Name: Gongshan Plum Yew

General Information

Cephalotaxus griffithii is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 metres tall. The bole can be up to 40cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use of its wood, and possibly also as a medicine. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental, where it can be used as a hedge.
This species has been exploited for timber and firewood and the larger trees have mostly been logged. Large-scale logging is now banned. The habitat has also been reduced due to forest clearance for expanding agricultural areas. The plant is classified as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - southern China, northeast India, Myanmar

Habitat

An understorey shrub in woodlands[]. Scattered in broad-leaved forests; at elevations around 1,900 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Cephalotaxus griffithii is not hardy in the colder areas of the temperate zone, when dormant it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[]. The young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[].
Prefers a moist well-drained sandy soil but succeeds in most soils though it dislikes dry gravelly or chalky soils[, ]. Prefers a position in semi-shade but tolerates full shade[, ] and it also succeeds but does not usually thrive in full sun[]. It grows very well in the mild wet coastal region of W. Scotland where it succeeds even in full sun[]. Requires a humid sheltered site[], strongly disliking very exposed positions[].
Plants are dioecious, but female plants sometimes produce fruits and infertile seeds in the absence of any male plants[]. However, at least one male plant for every five females should be grown if you are growing the plants for fruit and seed. Plants have also been known to change sex[].
Male cones are produced in the axils of the previous year's leaves, whilst female cones are borne at the base of branchlets[].

Edible Uses

We have no details for this species but it is closely related to Cephalotaxus fortunei and so it is quite likely to have edible seed and fruit[]. The fruit is up to 50mm long and 20mm wide with a single seed 35 - 45mm long[, ]. It is certainly worthy of more research[]. The fruit does not always ripen in Britain, before full ripeness it has a disgusting resinous flavour that coats the mouth and refuses to go away for hours[].

Medicinal

The plant may have medicinal qualities[].
The seeds and bark have medicinal uses in the treatment of leukaemia and lymphoma[]. (As Cephalotaxus mannii, with Cephalotaxus griffithii listed as a synonym)

Agroforestry Uses:

Very tolerant of pruning, this plant makes a very good hedge in shady positions[].

Other Uses

A high quality, insect resistant wood. It is used for making quality furniture, fine crafts and tool handles[]. (As Cephalotaxus mannii, with Cephalotaxus griffithii listed as a synonym)
The wood is used locally for firewood and construction[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[], it should then germinate in the following spring[]. A hard seedcoat can delay germination, especially in if the seed is not sown as soon as it is ripe[, ]. Stored seed should be cold-stratified and sown in a cold frame in the spring[]. Germination can take 18 months or more. Prick out the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on for at least their first winter under cover. Plant out in late spring after the last expected frosts.
Greenwood cuttings of terminal shoots, mid summer to early autumn in a humid cold frame[, ]. Difficult[].